variants
or less commonly imbed
embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding; embeds also imbeds
1
a
: to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix
fossils embedded in stone
b
: to make something an integral part of
the prejudices embedded in our language
c
: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
d
: to insert (a media file, such as a graphic, video, or audio clip) into a computer document (as on a website or in an email)
Marketers embed advertisements in subscription mailing-list messages to reach target audiences.—
Matthew Mills
Matthew MillsThe company … lets users embed video and audio attachments in E-mail messages.—Matt Richtel
Matt Richtel2
a
: to attach (a journalist) to a military unit for the purpose of covering a conflict
One of six Iraqi journalists who will be embedded with U.S. and Iraqi troops …—Tom Lasseter
Tom LasseterEver since the American-led invasion of Iraq last year, when hundreds of journalists were embedded with military units, people in media circles have been debating whether journalists lose their professional detachment under such circumstances and begin to identify too closely with the troops they are covering.—Robert D. Kaplan
Robert D. Kaplan
b
: to attach (someone) to a group (such as a military unit or government agency) for the purpose of advising, training, or treating its members
Implementation of the plan to embed behavior specialists at the brigade level will result in 50 positions being staffed between now and 2013.—Philip Grey
Philip GreyDr. Dawdy … is one of the more unusual relief workers among the thousands who have come to the devastated expanses of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She is officially embedded with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a liaison to the state's historic preservation office.—John Schwartz
John Schwartz3
: to surround closely
a sweet pulp embeds the plum seed
: to become embedded
Examples of embed in a Sentence
embed a post in concrete
the nails were solidly embedded in those old plaster walls
Recent Examples on the Web
The palette migrates into supremely comfortable guest rooms that are outfitted with custom dark wood furniture, coma-enducing beds, and classic marble bathrooms that include a 17-inch LCD TV embedded in the mirror.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
One director noted matter-of-factly that certain generative AI shots in his sizzle reel would be replaced with conventional VFX before release – an admission that spoke volumes about how embedded the technology has become, and how wary practitioners remain of audience or investor scrutiny.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
As a science journalist and ocean explorer, she's investigated misinformation campaigns on social media, embedded in Alaskan archaeological digs, and contributed to the discovery of deep-sea organisms in the Central Pacific.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 21 Mar. 2026
More than 150 clinicians are embedded in police departments serving over 250 communities across the state, Bradley highlighted in a letter to lawmakers earlier this month.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embed
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
One director noted matter-of-factly that certain generative AI shots in his sizzle reel would be replaced with conventional VFX before release – an admission that spoke volumes about how embedded the technology has become, and how wary practitioners remain of audience or investor scrutiny.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
As a science journalist and ocean explorer, she's investigated misinformation campaigns on social media, embedded in Alaskan archaeological digs, and contributed to the discovery of deep-sea organisms in the Central Pacific.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 21 Mar. 2026
More than 150 clinicians are embedded in police departments serving over 250 communities across the state, Bradley highlighted in a letter to lawmakers earlier this month.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embed
Cite this Entry
“Embed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embed. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
embed
transitive verb
em·bed
variants
also imbed
embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding
: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
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